Tuesday, 16 June 2009

Perennial Premier League targets Joao Moutinho and Miguel Veloso could both leave Sporting Lisbon this summer according to manager Paolo Bento. The Portuguese pair, who have often found themselves linked with the likes of Arsenal, Manchester United, Everton, Aston Villa and Bolton Wanderers, are known to be keen on testing themselves away from their homeland despite their coach wanting to retain their services at the Estadio Jose Alvalade.

Speaking to SIC Noticias, Bento revealed:

“I have Joao Moutinho for next season as things stand, but things can change.

“Sporting have an idea of what we want for next season.

“Miguel Veloso is a player who is under contract until 2013 and, like everyone else, he could be sold or he could stay.

“If he stays, he will be treated as he always has been, playing in the position that best serves the team.”

Sunday, 14 June 2009

In a blow to Chelsea, David Villa has become Real Madrid’s third mega-money signing this week, hot on the heels of £59m Kaka and £80m Cristiano Ronaldo. The 27-year-old Spanish forward, who moved from Valencia today, cost Real a reported 40m Euros.

Madrid-based newspaper Marca, citing sources at Real Madrid and Valencia, said both clubs were sorting out the fine details of the deal before officially announcing the transfer.

Since Florentino Perez was re-elected club president less than two weeks ago, Real have been busy in the transfer market, breaking records left and right.

Villa top scored at Euro 2008 and netted 28 goals in the Spanish championship this season.

Saturday, 13 June 2009

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is said to be on the verge of signing Nigeria goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama, according to reports out of Israel.Wenger was at the Stade Geoffroy Guichard in Saint Etienne to see Nigeria stun France 1-0 and Israeli website Telesport reported that the Arsenal manager was impressed enough to make enquiries about the goalkeeper.

"Wenger is looking for another goalkeeper to the squad and in the coming days Enyeama should move to Arsenal," Telesport reported on their website.

"Hapoel want 2 million euro for him out of which his former club, Bnei Yehuda will get thirty percent."

It is not the first time Wenger will be casting lustful glances in the direction of the former Enyimba goalkeeper.

Following a stellar Nations Cup outing in 2006, Wenger almost signed Enyeama, but the deal collapsed midway through negotiations.

This season, Enyeama's stock has risen sky high, and the goalkeeper was voted Player of the Season in Israel after only letting in 28 goals in 33 appearances.

He is also yet to concede a goal in six consecutive matches for Nigeria; five World Cup qualifiers and one friendly match, against France.

Enyeama was rumoured to be on his way to Spanish La Liga side Espanyol, but that door was shut when the club extended the contract of their Cameroon goalkeeper Carlos Kameni.

Friday, 12 June 2009

CARLO ANCELOTTI is set to make midfield enforcer Gennaro Gattuso his first Chelsea signing. The Italian midfielder is said to be disappointed at Ancelotti's exit from AC Milan and is considering joining the Italian at Stamford Bridge.Gattuso, who had a successful spell at in the UK with Rangers in 1997-98, is said to want a return to British football and Ancelotti's move to Chelsea has hastened his desire to leave Milan. The 31-year-old Champions League winner is close friends with his fellow countryman and Gattuso's agent Andrea D'Amico expects him to become one of Ancelotti's first signings as Chelsea boss.

"The rapport between Gattuso and Ancelotti is very strong," D'Amico said. "He was deeply distressed by the decision to change the boss. Gattuso is very attached to Ancelotti. Gennaro has the characteristics and the qualities needed to play in the English league. Should a very important offer come in, I feel that negotiations could be opened."

Thursday, 11 June 2009

With Arsene Wenger seemingly closing in on Belgian defender Thomas Vermaelen, Lazio striker Goran Pandev appears to be next on Arsenal's wishlist.

Linked with Tottenham, Chelsea, Liverpool, Bayern Munich, Fiorentina and Juventus, Arsenal are the latest outfit to express an interest in Pandev, who has expressed his desire for a new challenge after five years in Rome.

"My cycle with Lazio is over," Pandev told Sky Italia. "I want to find other motivations and go and play for another team. I have spoken to [club president Claudio] Lotito and I explained to him the situation."

With Pandev having scored 15 goals in 37 games last season and helping the team to the Coppa Italia, Lazio will demand around £17 million for the player.

However his agent has suggested a lower fee may be enough. Leonardo Corsi has suggested offers of around £13.5 million could be secure Pandev due to the friendly relationship between club and player.

Corsi commented, "They retain a very good relationship and mutual respect, as has always been the case. For our part, the decision is not based on economic reasons...He wants a change and to test himself in a fresh environment after growing comfortable in his many years at this one particular club."

Arsenal will keep a keen eye on Inter Milan full-back Maicon after the Brazilian claimed Jose Mourinho is not paying him enough attention. Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is looking to overhaul his defence as he tries to end the club's barren run without a trophy and sees Maicon as an ideal signing.The 27-year-old has endured a difficult time at the San Siro since his move from Monaco in 2006 and he has struggled to cement a first team place at the San Siro.

Wenger could be in luck because the versatile defender, who can play in the centre of defence as well as right-back, fears he is getting frozen out by Mourinho.

"Inter have been disregarding me for three years. It's just that I am tired of being neglected," Maicon said.

While Maicon has not ruled out staying at Inter, he says things must change quickly or he will be forced to engineer a move elsewhere, with England a likely destination.

"Inter have kept silent and this behaviour hurts me," he added.

"I have asked my agent to do everything possible to give me back my happiness. I am seeking joy at Inter or at another club. Is that too much to ask?"

LONDON: Fabio Capello has underlined his faith in Theo Walcott by signalling that the Arsenal winger will start Wednesday's World Cup qualifier against Andorra despite an anonymous display in Kazakhstan at the weekend.

Walcott was hauled off at half-time in England's 4-0 win in Almaty and his starting place had been thought to be on the line for the clash with the group six minnows.

But Capello believes Walcott's pace could be the key that unlocks an Andorran side that will come to Wembley looking to get every man behind the ball and frustrate their hosts.

"Walcott will be very important because we have to play to attack and the wide position is very important," Capello said. "I've spoken to him and he trained very well. He needs to play to recover his best condition."

Capello has warned his players that they may have to be patient.

"I saw their game against Belarus and they put 10 players just in front of the box, waiting, waiting, waiting," the Italian added.

"It's not easy. But if we score early it will be an easy game.

"We have to attack. Andorra will be waiting for us in front of their box with 10 players defending."

Capello confirmed he is considering resting Glen Johnson, who would miss the September clash with Croatia if he picks up another booking. Manchester United veteran Gary Neville is expected to deputise.

Provided three points are collected on Wednesday, England could book their ticket to South Africa as group six winners by beating Croatia at Wembley in their next match.

And Capello declared himself happy with the progress made by his squad in what has been a virtually flawless campaign to date.

"I've learnt a lot," he said. "The players have learnt a lot too about my system, what I want, what I want them to do in games and the different styles we play.

"I'm very happy because I can see in training the players are very happy. It's important. It's not like work but happy training."

Wednesday's match looks set to be played in a stadium that, at best, will be only two-thirds full because of the impact of a planned strike on London's underground train network.

England skipper John Terry said he was hoping to reward those fans who did make it to the stadium with a seventh straight win in the group.

"We owe it to ourselves to do it. None of us having been in this position before and it would be be great to end the season on a high."

Terry added: "Maybe it is a difficult game for a defender. Me and Matt (Matthew Upson) need to keep our concentration and not have too many touches on the ball. We need to move the ball really quickly and make it difficult for them."

The Chelsea skipper also attempted to place a lid on the burgeoning optimism concerning England's prospects of going far at the World Cup finals in South African next year.

"Things are going well, we are in a great position, but let's not get too carried away," said the defender. "We can make it seven out of seven, but we need to keep our feet on the ground. We're not there yet. Let's keep going on that snowball run."

A 48-hour strike on the London underground was due to begin on Tuesday evening and the Football Association stopped tickets sales for Wednesday's match last week at 70,000, some 20,000 short of the stadium's capacity.

The FA has also offered to refund the price of any tickets if fans are unable to get to the game or home after it -- a move which could result in the ground being less than half full.

A day after West Ham's financial future was secured, Gianfranco Zola faces a new headache as one of his prized assets proclaims his desire to play in Europe.

Having won his 15th cap on Saturday against Kazakhstan, Matthew Upson appears to have firmly established himself as England's third-choice central defender – and now he wants to be in a position to challenge international team-mates John Terry and Rio Ferdinand.

"Being first choice for England is in my mind. That's what I'm striving for every day. I'm coming from a negative position in terms of where Rio and JT have been."

In Upson's opinion there is only way that this can be achieved: "I am desperate to play in the Champions League and that is where I want to be," he asserted. "I have played there with Arsenal and had that experience as a younger player. I would love to achieve that again."

These lingering doubts will be a major concern to Gianfranco Zola, whose fledgling side need players of Upson's experience. The Italian will hope that Arsene Wenger – clearly in the market for a centre-back – isn't tempted to go back in for Upson to bolster his own, similarly inexperienced defence.

Chelsea and Real Madrid are battling it out to sign prized Valencia striker David Villa, according to reports.

The Blues are reportedly prepared to pay £38million in cash for the 27-year-old, while the Spanish giants are said to be offering £24million plus striker Alvaro Negredo.

Chelsea's sporting director Frank Arnesen and Jorge Valdano of Madrid are currently in Valencia for make-or-break talks with the club and his agent, Jose Luis Tamargo.

Villa is set to decide this week on which he prefers and while Tamargo has previously insisted that the Spanish international will not move away from his homeland, he now says 'sporting ambition' is also important in the decision.

Tamargo told The Sun: "The key here is not just the money being offered but the sporting ambition of the club. David has never only been interested in money."

Chelsea nor Real have yet to comment on the speculation linking them with Villa.

Monday, 8 June 2009

Ajax centre-back Thomas Vermaelen claims he is on the verge of a £10million move to Arsenal.

The Gunners are reported to have agreed a fee for the 23-year-old Belgium international, who can also play at left-back.

Vermaelen said: "Moving to Arsenal is the right path for me. It is a great sporting challenge and I'll also be financially better off. I think everything will be okay. There will be more talks in the coming days."

The Ajax captain is 5ft 11ins and former Gunners skipper Tony Adams fears Vermaelen could struggle in England.

"I think Thomas is very good but I don't think he's ready," said the former England centre-back. "I don't think the punters at Arsenal would like another small one."

Wolfsburg striker Edin Dzeko is not interested in Manchester City but would consider a move to Arsenal, according to his agent.

The 23-year-old Bosnia and Herzegovina international, who has been named the Bundesliga’s footballer of the year by German journalists, is currently attracting attention from a wide range of clubs across Europe.

And, after confirming that City and Arsenal are interested, agent Irfan Redzepagic has revealed that Dzeko would be open to a move to Emirates Stadium.

“It is not possible for Dzeko, who is a leading player in Germany and has the chance to play in the Champions League, to go to a mid-table club like Manchester City,” he told Onet.

“Arsenal would be a different matter.

“The Londoners’ offer is one we treat very seriously.”

However, German newspaper Bild claimed on Tuesday that Milan vice president Adriano Galliani held talks with Redzepagic at the weekend in Sarajevo about a potential €30 million (£26.1m) move, and Inter are also said to be interested.

It appears Milan have the edge, though, as Dzeko has revealed he is a long-term supporter of the Rossoneri.

“They have always been my favourite club, right back to my days as a small boy, growing up in Sarajevo,” he said in the Daily Mail.

Arsenal are favourites to beat Manchester City to the signing of Wolfsburg hotshot Edin Dzeko. Get the lowdown on the Bosnia striker with his profile, with more goals than you could shake a stick at.

1) Edin Dzeko was born in Sarajevo, capital of Bosnia, on 17 March 1986, and he and his family had to cope with the Bosnian war rampaging through the country when he was only six. He recalled: "It was a hard time for everyone in the country. There wasn't much to eat, not really enough for three meals a day. I was very afraid every day. We were always having to hide when shots rang out or bombs fell. You could get shot at any time. I cried a lot in those days. Thank God the war is in the past."

2) Dzeko joined Bosnia and Herzegovina Premier League side FK Zeljeznicar and made his debut in 2003, starting out as a midfielder and scoring five goals in 40 games in two years at the club.

3) He moved on to top flight Czech club FK Teplice in 2005 for €80,000, and was loaned out to second division FK Ústí nad Labem for the first half of the season. His time in the Czech Republic saw him converted into a striker - an effective switch which saw him named best foreign striker and finish second in the golden boot race in the 2006-07 season.

4) Having come up through the U19 and U21 ranks, Dzeko made his debut for the senior side against Turkey on 2 June 2007. He made an instant impact, scoring the equaliser for 2-2 as Bosnia went on to win the game 3-2.

5) Dzeko's goals caught the eye of VFL Wolfsburg manager Felix Magath, who took the striker to the Bundesliga for €4million, with Dzeko signing a deal until 2011.

6) He started brightly, with five goals in the first twelve matches, but was less successful in the second half, ending his first season in Germany with eight goals in 28 games.

7) Last season was a different story, though, as Dzeko became half of the most successful strikeforce in Bundesliga history alongside Brazilian frontman Grafite, beating Gerd Mueller and Uli Hoeness's record from 1972-73. Dzeko notched 26 of the pair's 54 goals which helped propel Wolfsburg to the Bundesliga title.

8) Dzeko finished the season with a flourish as well, scoring two hat tricks - his first coming on 2 May against TSG 1899 Hoffenheim in just 13 minutes.

9) After his goal-scoring exploits it is no wonder boss Magath sings Dzeko's praises. Magath says of Dzeko: “He is just the kind of striker a club would wish for. He is unselfish, has an accurate shot and header, and knows what to do with the ball the moment he receives it.”

10) Although Muslim, Dzeko doesn’t consider himself orthodox and prays once a day instead of the traditional five times.

Friday, 5 June 2009

Werder Bremen midfielder Mesut Ozil has been linked with Arsenal by German tabloid Bild. The 20-year-old German international joined the UEFA Cup Finalists in January 2008 from Schalke and has since established himself at the heart of Werder’s midfield making 28 appearances last term as the Weserstadion outfit enjoyed success in the German Cup.

Valencia and Juventus are also rumoured to be keeping tabs on the left-footed playmaker, whose current deal with Werder expires in 2011. An improved three year deal is known to be on the table, but with big-money offers likely this summer, coach Thomas Schaaf could allow Ozil to follow Brazilian star Diego out of the door.

ARSENE WENGER is ready to enter a bidding war with AC Milan to pit Yaya Toure alongside brother Kolo at Arsenal.

Boss Wenger is preparing a £12million bid for the Barcelona star but accepts he may have to improve on that following the midfielder’s impressive Champions League performances against Chelsea and Manchester United.

As Yaya proved in Barca’s European glory run, he could also play alongside Kolo, 28, in the centre of defence.

Yaya, 25, had a trial at Arsenal in 2005 but failed to seal a permanent move and joined Olympiacos instead.

He said: “It’s true that it would be great to play for a big club with my brother. That would be fantastic but you never know.”

Arsene Wenger has opened talks with Bundesliga champions Wolfsburg over the signing of German player of the year Edin Dzeko.

The Arsenal boss is competing with moneybags Manchester City for one of the most sought-after strikers in Europe with the bidding starting at £12million.

Wenger is convinced that can beat off competition for the Bosnian with the chance to play in the Champions League for Arsenal a crucial factor.

Dzeko scored 26 goals in 32 appearances last season as Wolfsburg beat off late competition from Bayern Munich to seal the first German national title in the club's history.

Despite the interest from City - and the prospect of a much higher salary at Eastlands - Dzeko, 23, moved to Wolfsburg two years ago from FK Teplice, but he caught the eye of Wenger with his impressive performances in Germany.

He was signed by Felix Magath two years ago for just under £4m and has improved so dramatically at Wolfsburg that he has been monitored for some time by Arsenal's chief scout Steve Rowley.

Although Wolfsburg, who have the backing of German car giant Volkswagen as their principal sponsor, are under no pressure to sell after qualifying for next season, Arsenal's bid is tempting.

Dzeco scored 17 times in 34 Bundesliga appearances for Wolfsburg and he has become of the biggest names in German football after landing the player of the year title.

His potential arrival at the Emirates will throw the future of several strikers in doubt, with long-term fears that Eduardo may never reach his full potential following his return from the injury he sustained in a challenge with Birmingham defender Martin Taylor in 2008.

Robin van Persie has still not signed a new contract with the club and despite the repeated denials, Emmanuel Adebayor will be sold by Wenger if Inter Milan pay the £24m being demanded by the Gunners.

Thursday, 4 June 2009

Reports emerging today indicate that we have pounced on Ajax's centre-back, Thomas Vermaelen, for a fee of around 10 million pounds.

The Belgian defender has been linked persistently for the past few weeks with a move to Arsenal and it now looks as if Wenger has his man.

Vermaelen, 23, has been in impressive form for Ajax this season and hinted at a potential switch to an English Premier League side a few days ago: "I do not know much," he said. "I hear [speculation], but I can say little about it. It would be nice, but I'm not there yet.

"The Premier League is attractive to me. We played against Aston Villa and the game was played the way it should be.

"For the public it is the number one sport."

It has also been reported that the transfer will be confirmed within 48 hours.

Arsenal have completed the signing of AFC Ajax centre back Thomas Vermaelen for a fee believed to be in the region of £10 million. According to sources inside the club, the deal for the Belgian international will be confirmed in the next 48 hours.

The 23-year-old moved to Ajax in 2004 from Antwerp outfit Germinal Beerschot and has since played 85 times for the Amsterdam giants as well as accumulating 21 caps for his country.

The news comes only hours after former Arsenal captain Tony Adams revealed that he had watched the player on behalf of Arsene Wenger but hinted that despite his obvious quality his physical attributes may let him down.

"I think Thomas is a very good player but I don’t think he’s ready for the Arsenal," Adams told Setanta.

"I don’t think the punters at Arsenal would like another small one.

"I don’t know whether he’ll end up going for a bigger player. We’ll see how much money we’ve got first.

"I have been looking at the Dutch league, but to be honest with you it’s been decimated.

"It’s a poor league at the moment, there’s one or two players but they’re leaving too early as well."

Bosnian striker Edin Dzeko has been named Germany’s footballer of the year according to Kicker magazine. The towering attacker has been in amazing form this term notching 26 goals in 29 appearances helping his side Wolfsburg to their first ever Bundesliga title. With his star rising across Europe, 23-year-old Dzeko has found himself the subject of intense speculation with initially Arsenal and then Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and Juventus all thought to be monitoring his situation.

Fellow Wolfsburg player, the Brazilian, Grafite, came second in the professional poll. Grafite was top-scorer in the Bundesliga this season with 28 goals.

Another Brazilian, Diego, who played with Bremen last season before announcing a move last month to Juventus in Italy, was third.

In fourth place was Mario Gomez of Stuttgart, ahead of another Wolsburg player, Zvjezdan Misimovic.

The 264 professionals who took part in the vote also chose Hanover's Robert Enke as best goalkeeper.

Wednesday, 3 June 2009

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has said that he may be asking for Ike Uche's number after watching the Nigeria striker do a head-turning number on the French defence as the Super Eagles ran out with a surprise 1-0 win over Les Blues on Tuesday night.Wenger was a co-commentator on the live game for French TV TF1 and was hugely impressed by the Getafe man's showing at the Stade Geoffrey-Guichard.

"What’s his name again? Ikechukwu Uche. I should ask for his phone number," Wenger said on TF1.

Wenger continually praised the 25-year-old Uche for the duration of the game and Ike's elder brother Kalu has told Setanta that his sibling would not be averse to a Premier League switch.

"He has been doing very well for Getafe, helping them to avoid the drop in the Primera Liga, and he has also been quite impressive with Nigeria," Kalu Uche told setanta.com.

"I had no idea that Arsene Wenger had said lovely things about him. It makes me feel proud.

"Of course moving to England would attract him, especially if we are speaking about such a top club as Arsenal."

Monday, 1 June 2009

Former AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelloti has been officially unveiled as the man who will take over at Chelsea.

Ancelloti’s expected departure from the Italian giants finally came yesterday as the 49-year-old took his leave “on mutual consent”. This morning Chelsea announced that he will start a three-year contract from July 1.

A statement on the club’s website read: “Carlo was the outstanding candidate for the job. He has proved over a long period his ability to build teams that challenged for, and have been successful in, major domestic and European competitions.

“He also had a highly successful playing career in those competitions and therefore brings unparalleled all round experience to the job.

The club’s billionaire owner Roman Abramovich has overseen a succession of managers since the departure of “the special one” Jose Mourinho in 2007. Avram Grant succeeded him, followed by Luiz Felipe Scolari, Ray Wilkins and Gus Hiddink in quick succession.

Hiddink brought a measure of calm to the London giants during his short term four month contract, leading the club to their first silverware in two years with the FA Cup.

Ancellotti will be charged with lowering the age of the team and targeting European glory in the Champions League. The dapper Italian twice savoured football’s most prestigious club trophy with AC Milan in the last five years.